Andre Villas-Boas is confident Gareth Bale will stay at Tottenham even though they have missed out on fourth place.

Last Updated: 20/05/13 3:09pm

There had been suggestions that Bale's future could depend on whether Spurs finished in the top four of the Premier League, after a dazzling season when he has reportedly captured the interest of several leading European sides.

He was again the star of the show on Sunday with a magnificent late goal which sealed a 1-0 victory over Sunderland, but Arsenal's win at Newcastle United left Spurs in fifth spot.

Villas-Boas is determined for Tottenham to push on next season and insists they will need all their key men to stay if they are to realise their ambitions.

Asked if it would now be harder to keep hold of Bale and Spurs' other top players, Villas-Boas told Sky Sports: "No, I don't think so. It has been an ongoing question. I think it is absolutely fine.

"We have to keep our ambitions high and hold on to the best players.

"The reference is there from the points tally to make it better for the future and to do that we need to hold on to our best assets.

"Today was another great moment of individual brilliance, although the squad in the second half was really, really strong and everyone was pushing for the winner."